How do our histories continue beyond their lifetimes? As the world wavers over climate change’s steep ledge, conversations about preservation have produced the most fascinating works of 2024. From psychic grave robbers in La Chimera to this week’s Doc Nights select, how to care for artifacts – and where those historical items belong – stays a potent topic. Directed by Mati Diop, the return of 26 sacred pieces concerns most of this documentary’s runtime, following their journey from a Paris museum back to what was once the titular African kingdom, now called Benin. This story comes from multiple viewpoints, including interviews with University of Abomey-Calavi students as well as a statue of King Ghézo, given voice by Haitian writer Makenzy Orcel. – James Scott
Dec. 31, Jan. 1 & 4
